Your Marketing Playbook
Stop Guessing. Start Growing.
Making Your Business Irresistible
Odds are you started your business or nonprofit (or joined your team) because you saw a problem that you could provide a unique solution for. And you’re probably passionate about it enough to tell everyone!
So talking about what you do should be the easiest thing in the world, right?
In our experience?
No.
What stops business leaders dead in their tracks and kills their growth first?
The curse of knowledge.
We spend so much time buried in the weeds of our product, service, or industry that we forget how to explain our solution simply to those who need it the most.
What You’ll Learn
- Craft messaging that grabs attention and turns browsers into buyers
- Get total clarity on what you do (and what you don’t!)
- Validate your ideas with real customers
- Avoid confusing potential buyers… and losing them in the process
- Build the foundation for Module 2
Sound good? Let’s get started.
Define Your Core Offer
Module Chapters
What is it?
According to Alex Hormozi, an entrepreneur and business-scaling coach we recommend you check out, your core offer is the primary product or service you sell that generates the most revenue for your business. It’s the main driver of your profitability and the ultimate solution you provide to your customers. Your core offer should be so compelling that it feels like a “no-brainer” for your ideal customer to buy it.
Key Elements of a Core Offer
Based on Hormozi’s ‘$100M Offers’ Framework
- Solves a Major Problem
Your core offer must address a specific, significant pain point for your target audience. The more urgent and valuable the solution, the more irresistible the offer becomes. - Provides Clear, Tangible Value
The customer should instantly understand the benefit of purchasing your offer and how it will improve their life or solve their problem. This involves making the outcomes measurable and specific. - Includes Unique Enhancements
Add unique features, bonuses, or guarantees that make your offer stand out. These extras should enhance the perceived value significantly. - Minimizes Risk for the Customer
Use strategies like guarantees, trials, or “done-for-you” options to reduce the risk of purchasing. This reassures customers and increases their confidence in your offer. - Feels Irresistible
The offer should feel like it’s worth much more than what the customer is paying. Hormozi calls this creating a “value stack” where the perceived value far exceeds the price.
Examples of Core Offers
Fitness Studio
- Regular Offering: “Gym memberships.”
- Core Offer: “Lose 10 lbs in 30 days with our guaranteed results program—sign up for $1 and cancel anytime.”
Digital Marketing Agency
- Regular Offering: “SEO services.”
- Core Offer: “We’ll double your website traffic in 90 days, or we work for free.”
Landscaping Service
- Regular Offering: “Weekly lawn mowing.”
- Core Offer: “Weekend-ready yards in under 3 hours—starting at just $99.”
How do I do it?
Step 1: Identify the Problem You Solve
Start by understanding the real problem your business solves. What is the main pain point your ideal customer feels? What gap are they experiencing that you fill for them? Where are they at in their customer journey and why is it short of where they want to be?
Examples of Problem Solving
Lawn Care Company
Are you spending your weekends working on your lawn instead of enjoying it?
Audiologist
Do you avoid family get-togethers because you are tired of asking people to repeat themselves?
Business Law Firm
As your company grows, are you nervous you might be missing key legal requirements that could expose you to business-halting lawsuits?
Hint
You may have multiple products, services, offers, or businesses. Start with the simplest idea about your company or the one that’s most profitable. It’s what people know you for or why you would want them to reach out to you.
Step 2: Differentiate Your Solution
What makes your solution unique? Your key differentiator?
Create an offer that feels too good for customers to pass up. For example, add unique value such as “done-for-you” services, guarantees, or exclusive support, to make it even more enticing.
Examples of Differentiation
Lawn Care Company
We transform your lawn without the guesswork, using only the best products we know will work for you.
Audiologist
Instead of throwing overwhelming amounts of technology at you, we offer in-office training with free, printed instructions for you and your loved ones.
Business Law Firm
Our Business-Scaling Checklist will help you confidently identify any legal gaps you need to address.
Step 3: Show the Result
What’s the payoff? How will your customer feel when they choose you? What does success look like for them?
Examples of Results
Lawn Care Company
Relax on your front porch, play backyard football, or invite the neighbors over and enjoy your lawn!
Audiologist
Experience the joy of catching every word when your grandkid tells you all about what they’re doing at school.
Business Law Firm
Grow confidently knowing you and your team are covered.
How do I know it’s working?
Here are some of our favorite ways to test and refine your messaging for your core offer:
Test with a Small Group of Real Customers
Share your one-liner or offer with a few trusted clients or prospective customers. Note their reactions and adjust based on their feedback.
Refine
If people seem confused, simplify. If they’re not impressed, add more value or specificity. Aim for a reaction where people say, “I need that!”
Track Conversion Rate
Track how many people respond positively to your offer or messaging by signing up, booking a call, or buying.
A/B Test
Many apps offer the option to test two different versions of your message with your audience. For example, YouTube allows you to test two different thumbnails. Email campaign apps like Personify or MailChimp can send two different subject lines so that you can see which messaging gains more traction.
Broader Customer Feedback
Pay attention to questions or hesitations customers have about your offer—this feedback can help refine it.
What are some real-world examples?
Large Brand Example: Harry’s
Harry’s, a men’s shaving and personal care company, centers their core offer on their unique position in the marketplace by contrasting with the “established” brands. Check out a version below:
Our founders, Jeff and Andy, created Harry’s because they were tired of overpaying for overdesigned razors. Instead, they wanted simple, high-quality products that felt good to use, all at a fair price.
By buying our own factory in Germany, we are able to ensure quality by owning the entire process, from grinding high-grade steel to directly shipping our products to your door. Your shave is going to be close, comfortable and best of all, less expensive. But don’t just take our word for it, get started with a trial set today for just $5.
Everyday Brand Example: Lasting Change
Lasting Change, a mission-minded organization from Fort Wayne, Indiana, significantly increased their ability to connect with their target audience by naming the problem and showing success. See how they do it:
At first glance, a career in Home-Based Services seems like the perfect chance to make a meaningful impact every day. But too often, the reality doesn’t match the promise, leading to stress and burnout.
At Lifeline, we’re changing that. Our proven 3-part career plan is designed with one goal in mind: eliminating burnout so you can enjoy a fulfilling, impactful career for years to come. Together, we’ll help you make a lasting difference—without sacrificing your well-being.
Apply now to join this growing community perfectly equipped to support your goals.
Where do I start?
Define your one-liner
- Name the problem
Clearly state the problem or pain point your audience feels. Put another way, describe what they want as it relates to your business/industry. - Explain your solution
Aim to strike that perfect balance of being crystal clear and simple while also using language that draws people in. - Show off the result!
What success can they expect or imagine when they choose you? Let them know!
Add a call to action
Elevate your one-liner with a clear call to action. Too much business is lost by us simply not asking for the sale! Bonus points for including an irresistible value-add. (“Book your appointment now and we’ll include a free sample!”)
Test. Refine. Repeat.
Test it with 5-10 people or post it online for feedback. Take that feedback and refine it until you can tell you have a winner.
Put it everywhere!
Use consistent language everywhere! Your website, email footer, social media profiles . . . you name it. If people see you, they need to know exactly what you do and how it benefits them.
How do I build from there?
Once you validate your MVP, here are some next steps to scale your core offer.
Enhance the Offer
Add guarantees, bonuses, or limited capacity to increase perceived value. This does not mean “cheapen” your brand; it just means giving your audience incentive to act now instead of “thinking about it.”
Example: “I only plan on booking 12 weddings this season, and 8 of those slots are filled. Let’s meet this week so you can secure your perfect date!”
Segment Your Messaging
Create tailored messaging for different audiences (e.g., “new parents” vs. “busy professionals”). This can be done by emphasizing specific aspects of the problem or the result.
Create Multiple Versions of your One-Liner
Adapt your messaging for ads, emails, and social media campaigns. Write headlines that build off of your core offer, break it down into a list, or tell a story of someone experiencing your problem + solution + result.
What tools should I be using?
You don’t have to be a massive company with a full data and analytics team to get feedback on your messaging! Simple tools that anyone can use will help you get the crucial feedback you’re looking for.
Survey Tools
Collect customer feedback on your offer or track people’s experiences by using free or low-cost survey tools, such as Google Forms or Typeform (two of our favorites in this category).
Form builders like these are simple to use and are easy to link to in your customer journeys. The biggest drawback is that the information you receive is disconnected from your personal database of contacts.
Website Analytics
Tracking how people use your website can be a good indication of how well your core offer is gaining traction. Google Analytics is a free tool to track response rates on your website. Other website builders like Squarespace and Wix even have built-in basic analytics like page visits and audience geography.
Social Media Polls
Polling your audience can be a powerful way to get quick feedback. Plus, your followers will feel like they are a part of the insider’s club, helping shape your future products and getting insight into what you’re doing next.
A/B Testing
A lot of email builders like MailChimp and Flodesk offer simple A/B testing like trying two different versions of a subject line so you can refine your ability to write in a way that leads to higher open rates.
How Personify can help
While all of the tools listed above are great options (we wouldn’t mention them if they weren’t!), they have two primary limitations:
- The data you collect isn’t connected to your own database of customers or clients
- It can quickly become overwhelming to keep track of your web of different apps and services.
Personify users benefit from all of the features you need without those hassles. It’s why we created it for business leaders like you.
Surveys and forms, context-aware webpage analytics (like someone who started to sign up for your service but stopped mid-way through the process), built-in A/B testing features tied to your database, and even a social media calendar can all simplify your life and scale your business.
For example, you could use Squarespace for your website, Flodesk for your emails, Typeform for surveys, and a separate tool like Zapier to try and make all these services (mostly) talk to each other. Lots of people do it that way.
Or, you can simply use Personify and have all of those powerful tools and more in one place.
A super simple place to start is by trying the A/B Testing feature in your next Email Campaign.
What should I avoid?
Common Mistakes
Making the Offer Vague
“We offer quality services.” → Fix: Be specific and clear.
Overloading the Message
Too much jargon or detail → Fix: Keep it simple and conversational.
Ignoring Feedback
Not testing with real people → Fix: Validate and refine your messaging regularly.
FAQs
What if I don’t have a unique offer?
Highlight what you do best—better service, faster delivery, or added value.
How do I know if my messaging works?
If you start to hear your customers and clients repeat some of your language, it’s a good sign you’re gaining traction. Ultimately, the most important measure is if you’re converting more leads into sales! If you aren’t seeing growth, keep refining and testing.
Put it to work
Action Checklist
Get started on clarifying your message right away! Copy and paste this list to your project management tool or document.
Next Steps
Now that your offer and messaging are crystal clear, it’s time to create a website that brings it to life.
Head to Section #2 to learn how to build a website that converts.
How Personify can help
Want to test your messaging faster? Use Personify’s tools to craft, test, and optimize your offer across all channels. Sign up for a free trial today!
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